Even though they felt unsurvivable at times, finals are over and winter break is finally here. That means five blissful weeks of free time and no school work (unless you're taking a J term course, and in that case, I'm so sorry). It's certainty tempting to kick back on the couch for the reminder of break, but here's how to make the most out of your winter break.

DO: Get in the holiday spirit

Round up your friends and family to bake cookies, have a movie marathon, or organize a secret Santa.

DON'T: Forget to buy gifts

It's the season of giving, but with finals on your mind it can be easy for buying gifts to slip your mind. Make sure you hit the store and pick out some thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.

DO: Hangout with your hometown friends

It's been months since everyone was back in your town together, so make the most of it because it won't happen again until the summertime.

DON'T: Hook up with an ex-fling from high school

Please don't drunk text your ex.

DO: Relax

After a long semester of late-nights in the library and cramming for tests, you deserve to sleep in and spend some quality time with yourself and Netflix.

DON'T: Be a couch potato

Eventually, it's time to pull yourself from the couch and at least try to be productive.

DO: Pick up a hobby

Five weeks of free time is the perfect amount of time to pick up a new hobby like writing, playing an instrument, learning how to ski, or even doing something you enjoyed when you were younger.

DO: Plan visits with college friends

You'll probably be missing your college friends like crazy in no time, so if you're lucky enough to live close to your pals, plan a visit. Meet up somewhere for the day, or spend a weekend in their hometown. They'll love to show you around, and it'll make you even more excited to reunite for the Spring semester.

DON'T: Spend all your holiday money too fast

It's more than tempting spend all the money you receive from relatives over break, but try to refrain.

DO: Save up some cash so you can spend it next semester

You'll wish you still had that money next semester for textbooks, cab rides, and late-night Sammy's pizza.

DON'T: Take for granted the time you have off

While many people work over break, five weeks off from school is a blessing. Appreciate this time.

DO: Go the gym and eat healthy

All those dining hall meals and times you skipped the gym has probably caught up to you at this point. Enjoy some healthy home-cooked meals and hit the gym so you feel your best when you arrive back on campus.

DO: Buy some killer new clothes at the mall, so you can rock them the first weekend out.

Wearing new mini skirts and low-cut tops out on Friday night during syllabus week is the college equivalent of wearing your new clothes on the first day back from winter break during high school.

DON'T: Make your New Year's resolutions too unrealistic

Often times we shoot just a little too high when making resolutions for the New Year, and disappoint ourselves before January is even over.

DO: Try to follow them

Try to stick with a realistic list of a few goals for the New Year, and aim to make 2017 the best year yet.